OAN Staff Abril Elfi
5:59 PM – Tuesday, September 10, 2024
A youth cheer coach in Oregon was first charged with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of attempted sexual abuse, following a weeks-long investigation.
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However, after being charged with one count of sex abuse and two counts of attempted sex abuse, police announced that Trenkler’s charges were later increased to “six counts of sexual abuse in addition to the attempted sexual abuse counts” after finding more evidence.
Anthony Trenkler, 27, was apprehended by police after they lured him to a St. Helens street corner, according to a statement from the department.
Detectives seized even more evidence after receiving a search warrant.
Authorities initially began to investigate Trenkler on August 13th following a report about his conduct while working as a cheer coach at Vault Elite in St. Helens, Oregon.
Police also stated that once the investigation began, additional victims came forward or were discovered.
Vault Elite fired Trenkler in August after they learned of the investigation, asking parents on a Facebook post to attend a meeting on August 15th in order to address their possible concerns.
“It has been brought to our attention that there have been abuse allegations made against one of our former coaches,” the post stated. “Vault Elite has terminated this coaches contract and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement to ensure our athletes are safe. He will no longer be allowed in our gym and our athlete’s safety remains our top priority. Classes and camps have been canceled until further notice. Please join us for a parent meeting, Thursday 8/15/24 at 4:15 PM, so that we can address your questions and concerns. If you have any information in regards to the abuse allegations, please directly contact the local police department.”
Police are requesting that anyone with information come forward, as they are worried that there might be even more victims.
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